It's been a busy March and I wanted to do a quick update before Spring Break. Both Tanner and Bailey have been busy with band. At the end of February both kids had assessment concerts, during which they were judged and told what things they needed to work on. Then this month, each band performed again for the judges for a final time and got their final scores.
Both bands got straight "1's"- which is the best they can get. They did great and the concerts were awesome. I sure love my little band geeks.
I also recently got into making sourdough bread. I went over to Stephanie Lanoy's and she taught me all about sourdough and gave me a starter. Since then I've made about 7 loaves. It's been really fun and delicious. We've also used the discard to make sourdough brownies and sourdough pancakes. I love learning new skills, especially when it's something that yields such delicious things.
Another first this month, Bailey attended her first dance. Tanner went too but it wasn't his very first one. He's an old pro at this point. Bailey's sweet friend, Ashlyn, came over and got ready with her before the dance and then all three of them arrived at the dance together. The dance was western themed and the kids looked so cute in their boots and hats. Bailey had so much fun. She danced the night away with her friends and even danced with a boy. Although she did say that the boy gave her "the ick"-whatever that means. But she had a great time. Tanner said it was a lot of fun, if not a little hot in the gym. He got to see one of his good friends that moved away recently, but came over for the dance. That was really fun for him. I just can't get over how old my kids are getting.
Then this week we got to visit with the Drake cousins. They were in NWA for their Spring break and because Uncle Joseph had to work at his corporate office here. The kids were so happy to be together and it was so cute. We spent on afternoon at their hotel, swimming with them. The next day the cousins came over to play after school and then we took all the kids to "Cici's Pizza" for dinner. This was a huge hit. The kids loved sitting at their own table, laughing and joking together. We didn't get to see the cousins on Wednesday but then on Thursday they spent all afternoon and evening at our house and the kids had so much fun. They played "Smash Bros" and went outside to play freeze tag and soccer. They went to the park and just had the best time. It was such a great visit. We miss our cousins.
What else? Benson lost his other front tooth on the top, so he's currently toothless. Both Tucker and Benson had wonderful parent-teacher conferences. I've been busy with my calling in the stake Relief Society and we've been visiting many wards in our stake for their ward conferences. We are teaching about ministering and it's been so great. I have developed a great love and passion for ministering and I love getting to teach about it.
Last night I got to attend a special women's conference with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the quorum of the twelve apostles, his wife, Ruth Renlund and Sis. Kristin Yee of the General Relief Society Presidency. Because I serve in my stake Relief Society, I was able to help as an Usher. Our entire presidency drove down to the Springdale stake center together and we all helped.
The devotional itself was so good. Elder Renlund, Sis. Renlund and Sis. Yee all spoke and their testimonies were beautiful. The first thing Elder Renlund spoke about was Jesus Christ. He testified that he lives and that he loves each of us.He talked about experiences he's had as an apostle and with his wife on different assignments around the world. He also spoke about the infinite worth of each person. He asked us how to define the worth of something and then taught us that worth is defined by how much someone is willing to pay- in our case, we are of infinite worth because Christ paid infinitely for each of us. He did this for everyone. Even one. Even me.
Sis. Yee spoke about the character and potential of women. She talked about how when we help another human being reach their diving potential we are fulfilling our roles as mothers- whether they are biologically our children or not. Sis. Yee is a single woman and so this was a sweet message from her. She also talked about how although God does ask much of his people, he does not ask us to do it alone. I loved that thought.
Sis. Renlund spoke about the power we have access to through our covenants. Both her and Elder Renlund were so funny and it was so interesting to see the humor and laughter they must share in their marriage.
After all their talks were over, there was a question and answer session. This was really interesting. After it was over Elder Renlund and Sister Renlund stood at the front and shook everyone's hands that wanted to. Sis Yee was placed in the Relief Society room and while she did shake everyone's hands, she also spoke, comforted and hugged every sister that came by. I think this was my favorite part. Because we were the ones who were asked to give Sis. Yee a ride back to her hotel, we had to wait until she was done meeting all the sisters. But this was my favorite part of the night. I don't know that I've ever witnessed more Christlike ministering than I saw last night with Sis. Yee. She personally spoke to each person. To some she gave directions on doctrine, to others comfort and some just wanted to hug her. All the while, her face shone with the love of Christ for each daughter of God. It was the most beautiful thing. I was so touched by her actions and her obvious love.
After she met each sister, which took almost two hours of her time, we gave her a ride to her hotel. Sadly, the drive to her hotel was only about 5 minutes but we got to visit with her a little more. She taught us more about how we should view each person as a son or daughter of God and work to love them and treat them the way that God would treat them. It was inspiring because it was clear that this is the way she lives her life. It was so great.
I got home very late but it was completely worth it. I got to shake Elder Renlund's hand as well and he looked right into my eyes and thanked me for being there. I, in turned, offered my appreciation to him and his wife for coming and speaking with us. He also exuded the love of God in his face. I was so very grateful to have been there and been able to learn from such powerful witnesses of Christ.
I just love the ladies I get to work with in Relief Society. I've been so blessed to learn from them and I feel like I've grown so much over the last two years. It's been amazing.
That's it for life right now. We have our spring break trip coming up and we are all looking forward to some family time at the beach. So stay tuned for that!
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